James Franklin listed as coach with ‘most to prove’ in 2024 by ESPN

To say the 2024 season is full of external pressure would be putting it lightly for the Penn State football team. Most of that pressure will be felt by head coach James Franklin and one of the biggest reasons why is the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Throughout Franklin’s tenure, he’s been able to consistently lead the Nittany Lions to 10-win seasons, but this is a prove-it year for Franklin, according to ESPN.

James Franklin listed as a coach with ‘most to prove’ in 2024 by ESPN

Many Penn State football fans will judge the 2024 season by making the College Football Playoffs or not. It’s an accomplishable goal for the Nittany Lions as the schedule plays in their favor. Penn State will miss both Oregon and Michigan in 2024, but they will host Ohio State in late October.

Recently, ESPN released an article titled, What coach has the most to prove in 2024? Of course, James Franklin appeared on the list.

Blake Baumgartner described what’s ahead for Franklin this season by writing, “Franklin’s tenure in State College has featured a lot of winning. He picked up where Bill O’Brien left off in compiling four 11-win seasons.

However, in the Nittany Lions’ most prominent games under Franklin, there hasn’t been a lot of winning. With the College Football Playoff expanding from four to 12, Penn State has a great opportunity to break through with both Michigan and Oregon not on the schedule, and Ohio State coming to Beaver Stadium in 2024. It just needs to find a way to close out against the better teams on the schedule.”

Drew Allar needs to deliver

While the Drew Allar era was exciting and fun to watch unfold Allar needs to take the next step in his development in 2024. One of the biggest weaknesses the Nittany Lions had last season was Allar and the offense not being in sync against Ohio State, Michigan, and Ole Miss the three games Penn State lost last season.

For Penn State and James Franklin to take that next step of reaching the College Football Playoff, Drew Allar and Andy Kotelnicki will need to ensure the offense doesn’t sputter in the biggest moments.

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